Dispatches from the War: Epitaph 3: the More Things Change (PG)

[brutti_ma_buoni]

I feel defensive of this, so be fairly warned - it's a piece of self-indulgence, expositiony, waaaay too dialogue-heavy and purely insider interest for the Rulesverse. But this turned out to be part of unwinding the war in my brain, and I hope it's of interest to some of you. It also might lead on to something more about immortality, which I've had

Comments

[brutti_ma_buoni]

Yay! Thank you!

[rebcake]

You have nothing to be defensive about as this is fantastic! I was worried about the Dawn/Illyria/Willow confab, as it's just too much concentrated power, and we all know what that leads to. Also, my recent rewatch of Primeval definitely made this seem plausible. It would take something amazing like that to get through to the other enjoined grouping. Really brilliant, imo.

Oz nodded. Which said plenty.

Hee! I think you've captured him beautifully in this!

Oh, interesting footnote. I'm sure Vi and Dawn discuss...must there be further repercussions, though? Also, Illyria also knows, so that means Dawn/Willow might as well... Hmmmm. Not so secret anymore.

[brutti_ma_buoni]

Pfft, structurally it's lousy, I know. But I had to write it out, and they are all such talkers (apart from Oz) that I couldn't shoehorn in any action. Just one of those things that demanded to be written, and forget the frills.

I'm thinking that, since Buffy's back in CA by the time Giles retires, there may be gradual openness about the kids. Which would be a good thing, I think. It's not a deadly secret, just something Buffy wanted to keep quiet till the SPIKE IS THE REAL DAD, OKAY message got through.

[spikereader]

I like exposition-y dialogue-y end tying up stuff, and this was great. Nice thought to use the First Slayer combination spell with the significant others.

And yes, it seems as though secrets might not be so secret any more.

[brutti_ma_buoni]

Thanks! I'd quite like to link Illyria, Dawn and First Slayer sometime - this immortality idea is niggling at me.

Some secrets don't have to last, and there might be something cute in this if I can think it through. Or something angsty. Or both.

[slaymesoftly]

I thought it was great. Got them out of what could have been a dangerous situation, and opened up some secrets (or will soon).

[brutti_ma_buoni]

Thanks! It's a bit of a stepping stone, I think. But fun to write, especially the hybrid's voice. Vi and Wesley combined, at least for me - Oz doesn't talk enough to get a word in!

[lisianpeia]

I loved this chapter. To be honest I didn't fin it too heavy and I really liked the exposition-y (don't know if that's correct xD).

Oz nodded. Which said plenty.
This line was perfect!